FKM vs FFKM

Understanding the differences between FKM and FFKM materials is critical in determining the right sealing solution for each application. Both FKM and FFKM offer unique advantages. FKM's chemical compatibility makes it widely valued for its versatility, while FFKM provides superior performance in extreme conditions

What is FKM Material?

FKM material is the ASTM designation for a class of fluorinated, carbon-based synthetic rubber, commonly known as FKM rubber or fluoroelastomer. Its impressive heat resistance allows FKM seals to withstand temperatures greater than 200°C. FKM material also exhibits extraordinary levels of resistance to high pressures, chemicals, and other fluids – including several fuels. FKM material's exceptional chemical compatibility makes it a preferred choice for applications involving exposure to hydrocarbons, acids, and alkalis, ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments.

FKM was originally developed in the late 1950s in response to demand for high performance seals in the aerospace industry. Continued development brought new advancements including greater thermal stability and improved heat, solvent, and compression resistance.

Today, FKM materials are commonly used to manufacture FKM O-rings, seals, and FKM gaskets for critical applications in automotive, aerospace, energy, semiconductor, and industrial operations. The widespread use of FKM gaskets in these industries highlights their reliability in preventing leaks under challenging conditions.

FKM Seals

FKM seals are widely recognized for their durability and versatility in demanding environments. These seals are engineered to provide reliable performance in applications requiring resistance to aggressive chemicals, high temperatures, and mechanical stress. Commonly used in industries such as chemical processing, aerospace, and oil and gas, FKM seals are ideal for preventing leaks in systems exposed to harsh operating conditions. FKM’s chemical compatibility ensures they maintain integrity when exposed to fuels, lubricants, and other aggressive substances.

FKM O-Ring Material

FKM O-ring material is a popular choice for sealing applications due to its excellent balance of mechanical properties and chemical resistance. Composed of fluorinated polymers, FKM O-rings offer superior performance in environments exposed to fuels, oils, solvents, and high temperatures. Their flexibility and resilience make them suitable for static and dynamic sealing applications, ensuring long-lasting performance in critical systems. The durability of these O-rings makes them a cornerstone in industries requiring reliable sealing solutions, such as automotive and aerospace.

FKM Chemical Compatibility

FKM materials are renowned for their robust chemical compatibility, making them resistant to a wide range of aggressive substances, including hydrocarbons, acids, and alkalis. This compatibility ensures that FKM seals, FKM O-rings, and FKM gaskets maintain their integrity in environments where exposure to fuels, lubricants, and other chemicals is common. However, FKM may not be suitable for applications involving polar solvents or certain amines, where FFKM is often a better choice. For applications requiring FKM gaskets, their chemical resistance makes them ideal for use in chemical processing and oil and gas systems.

FKM was originally developed in the late 1950s in response to demand for high performance seals in the aerospace industry. Continued development brought new advancements, including greater thermal stability and improved heat, solvent, and compression resistance.

Today, FKM materials are commonly used to manufacture O-rings, seals, and gaskets for critical applications in automotive, aerospace, energy, semiconductor, and industrial operations.

What is FFKM?

FFKM, or perfluoroelastomer, contains higher amounts of fluorine than standard FKM, resulting in higher temperature ratings (up to approximately 325°C/617°F) and improved chemical resistance with nearly universal chemical compatibility. FFKM's combination of high-performance capabilities makes FFKM seals the premium choice for industry’s most demanding applications. Unlike FKM rubber, FFKM offers enhanced resistance to a broader spectrum of chemicals, making it suitable for the most extreme environments.

The first commercially available FFKM seal was produced in the late 1960s, though widespread manufacturing of FFKM materials did not occur until the late 1980s due to patent restrictions.

FFKM is used in O-rings and seals in environments with high temperatures and/or harsh chemicals in the aerospace, semiconductor, energy, pharmaceutical and industrial operations.

FFKM Temperature Range

FFKM materials are designed to perform in extreme thermal conditions, with a temperature range extending up to approximately 325°C (617°F). FFKM's exceptional heat resistance makes FFKM seals and gaskets ideal for applications in high-temperature processes, such as those found in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, and chemical processing, where standard elastomers like FKM rubber would degrade.

FFKM Gaskets

FFKM gaskets are engineered for use in the most challenging environments, offering unmatched resistance to extreme temperatures and aggressive chemicals. FFKM gaskets provide reliable sealing in applications where failure is not an option, such as in pharmaceutical production, aerospace systems, and high-purity industrial processes. Their ability to maintain sealing integrity under harsh conditions makes FFKM gaskets a preferred choice for critical applications. In contrast to FKM gaskets, FFKM gaskets offer superior performance in environments with extreme chemical exposure and higher temperatures.

FFKM is used in O-rings and seals in environments with high temperatures and/or harsh chemicals in the aerospace, semiconductor, energy, pharmaceutical, and industrial operations.

When it Can’t Fail, Choose Greene Tweed FKM and FFKM Solutions

Greene Tweed offers a vast portfolio of FKM and FFKM sealing solutions to meet the demands of industry’s most critical applications.

Greene Tweed’s proprietary FFKM material, Chemraz^®, has the broadest chemical resistance of any elastomeric material, combining the resilience and sealing force of an elastomer with chemical resistance approaching that of PTFE.